Ohio State Football: 3 Buckeyes Who Could Surprise People This Spring

Spring practice kicked off for Ohio State on Tuesday, marking the official start of the 2014 season.

The 15 practice sessions will provide Urban Meyer and the coaching staff with an opportunity to evaluate the roster while trying to piece together the first installment of the 2014 depth chart.

While Ohio State has a lot of talented and experienced players returning, it needs to identify 10 new starters.

These three players haven't seen much of the field during their collegiate careers, but a strong showing this spring could propel them into big roles this fall.

Johnnie Dixon, WR

Ohio State needs to replace Corey Brown, who led the team in receptions and receiving yards in each of the last two seasons. Brown paced the Buckeyes' receiving corps with his solid route running and sure hands.

Those are the attributes Johnnie Dixon can offer.

The true freshman enrolled early to take part in spring drills. His top priority should be learning the playbook, but Dixon—who will wear the No. 1 jersey that Dontre Wilson sported last year—showed he has the athleticism to play on Tuesday.

Thought the new No. 1 (Johnnie Dixon) moved a lot like the old No. 1 (Dontre Wilson) tonight at OSU

Coming off a redshirt season in 2013, he'll be trying to provide a spark that the offense lacked last year.

Thomas has all the physical tools to be an outstanding receiver. The 6'3", 202-pound standout is a rangy athlete who can high-point the tough catches. According to his team profile, Thomas caught 86 passes for a 1,656 yards (a state high in California) and 21 touchdowns during his senior season of high school.